New Zealand is bracing for what may be the worst storm since 1968! Yes, in 50 years!
Emergency services move to evacuate seaside towns and close schools. Residents are asked to reconsider their Easter holiday plans.
The tail wind of Cyclone Cook, which had killed one person this week in New Caledonia, was expected to make landfall in New Zealand’s North Island on Thursday evening.
Authorities warn conditions may be like those of 1968’s Cyclone Giselle which led to the Wahine disaster in 1968. Here a link to the current wind patterns around New Zealand.
The country’s meteorological service issued severe weather warnings for the upper North Island. Those on small islands off the coast may find themselves cut off.
Moreover, authorities warned of landslides, flooding and wind damage from 150kph gusts are expected.
Airlines warn of “significant disruptions” with flight delays and cancellations.
Seaside areas of the Coromandel Peninsula heve been evacuated and residents take shelter in Civil Defence centres.
Disaster authorities asked people to avoid hardest-hit towns and reconsider their travels over the four-day Easter weekend. Thisis how it looked like in New Caledonia a few days ago:
The tail-end of another powerful cyclone, Debbie, had already slammed the country last week, wreaking havoc and leaving the town of Edgecumbe flooded by thigh-high water with many people still unable to return to their homes.
Be ready for the worse, get prepared to survive natural disasters.
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